Sleep apnea is a serious sleep disorder that causes you to stop breathing multiple times throughout the night. Without the proper flow of oxygen, a person with sleep apnea becomes more susceptible for health problems like heart attack, stroke, and high blood pressure. If you have sleep apnea , your dentist could help you find a treatment that decreases your symptoms and allows you to get the rest you need. Keep reading to find out how:
The Dentist Can Create a Custom Oral Appliance
Oral appliances can prevent the airway obstruction that leads to sleep apnea side effects like snoring and difficulty breathing. The dentist can create a custom oral appliance for you to minimize your symptoms and help you sleep better throughout the night.
The Oral Appliance Keeps the Jaw in the Correct Position
Sleep apnea often occurs because the soft tissue in the mouth and throat collapses, which causes an obstruction to the airway. Wearing an oral appliance helps keep your lower jaw, tongue, soft palate, and hyoid bone in the proper position to prevent this collapse. Without the obstruction, you should be able to breathe normally while you sleep and wake up each morning feeling refreshed.
The Oral Appliance Provides Effective and Convenient Treatment
Unlike other sleep apnea treatment options like continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP), oral appliances are small and comfortable to wear. This means that you can get the sleep apnea treatment you need without making yourself feel uncomfortable at night. Oral appliances are easy to bring with you when you travel so you can always have them with you.
If you think you have sleep apnea, you should schedule an appointment with Chicago’s University Associates in Dentistry for a consultation and official diagnosis. Our dental team is here to offer you the best tools and exams in the city to ensure that you get the treatment you need for your oral health issues. To learn more about our sleep apnea treatment or other services, visit us online or call (888) 481-6598.
